Akron and Westfield Voters Say “No” To School Bond
(Akron) — For the second time, voters in Akron and Westfield turned down the $6 million dollar bond issue that would have called for improvements to the Akron-Westfield school facilities. Nearly 200 more people had voted in Tuesday’s special election than when the measure first appeared before voters in September. However, in order for the measure to have pass, it needed 60 percent of the voters to approve the bond issue. The measure had only a 55 percent approval with 578 people voting in favor, and 458 people, or 44 percent voting against the proposed bond.
Northwest Bank Pledges $175,000 To Le Mars Community Betterment
(Le Mars) — Northwest Bank of Le Mars has pledged a contribution of $175,000 to the Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation for Community Betterment. The donation is a combination of actual cash value for the acquisition of the Royal 3 theater and a pledge over time to the overall Community Betterment Campaign. Mike Donlin, president of the Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation says “Northwest Bank joins several of our local financial institutions who are taking a lead role in making Le Mars a better place to work, live, and play”. Kevin Eekoff, market president for Northwest Bank, says “Northwest Bank takes pride in supporting the community of Le Mars and the many projects that make our community a better place to work and live in. He says, “Northwest Bank employees and directors support our communities by not only donating their time and talents, but also donating financial resources. Our hope is this donation will help to continue to improve the quality of life in Le Mars and the process of matching the $2.5 million dollar matching grant from Wells Enterprises, Inc.”
School Superintendent Named “Boss Of The Quarter”
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce awarded the “Boss of the Quarter” on Tuesday to the Le Mars Community Schools superintendent, Dr. Todd Wendt. Wendt was nominated by the school administration and central office staff. In that nomination, they write: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. A person does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of one’s actions and the integrity of one’s intent”. These words are displayed in the office of Dr. Todd Wednt. Dr. Wendt has been the superintendent for the Le Mars Community Schools for the past 16 years. Throughout the years, we have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Wendt, and we have witnessed first-hand his commitment to living up to those words. Dr. Wendt practices an “open-door” policy and makes time to be available to address questions and concerns. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and is patient in answering questions and, when necessary, will take to thoroughly research an answer. He strives to bring out the best in his staff and offers guidance when asked. Dr. Wendt is committed to excellence in education. He encourages the growth and development of the administration and teaching staff to provide Le Mars Community’s students with a quality education. He collaborates with a variety of local organizations supporting the district such as DLIIT, booster clubs, CAPS, LEEP, the Le Mars Community Foundation and represents Le Mars Community schools proudly and professionally at the district and state level as well. Dr. Wendt keeps the best interest of the school top of mind. The Le Mars Community School District has been fortunate to have a superintendent who exemplifies so many leadership qualities, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Todd Wendt. Our congratulations go to Dr. Todd Wendt, superintendent of schools, as being named the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Boss of the Quarter”.
Woodbury County Authorities Pursue Vehicle At Speeds Up To 117 mph.
(Sloan) — Woodbury County authorities were involved with a high-speed pursuit on Tuesday morning between Sloan and Salix. At about 9:00 a.m. a Woodbury County deputy sheriff attempted a traffic stop near the city of Sloan. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued northbound from the Sloan area on county road K-45. The pursuit reached speeds of 117 miles per hour. During the pursuit, the deputy observed occupants of the suspect vehicle tossing items out of the vehicle’s window. When the pursuit had reached Salix, the driver of the vehicle lost control and rolled the vehicle. The suspect driver of the vehicle fled on foot and the remaining four occupants stayed with the vehicle. Deputies had chased the suspect driver on foot from the crash site to a sewage lagoon. For a short period of time, the suspect driver refused to come out of the sewage lagoon. Deputies negotiated with the suspect driver, and he eventually came out of the lagoon and was taken into custody. The driver, and two of the four passengers were transported by Salix and Sloan Ambulances to the hospital for treatment. The other two refused medical treatment. The driver of the vehicle that fled from a Woodbury County deputy has been identified as 36 year old Justin Derby from Onawa. Derby was booked into the Woodbury County jail for driving while license barred, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, reckless driving, and speeding. His bond has been set at $15,000. The incident is still under investigation and additional charges could follow.
Car Hits Two Men Working On Parked Van
(Sioux City) — On Monday evening at about 8:45 p.m. Sioux City police was called to a traffic collision resulting in personal injuries at the 1800 block of Grandview Blvd. A vehicle was heading northbound on Grandview Blvd and had just passed through the 18th Street intersection. A minivan was parked on the east side of the street with two men working on the van. The car’s passenger side struck the two men that were next to the van, causing severe injuries and the driver of the car did not stop. Both victims were transported to Mercy Medical Center with one of the victims remaining in ICU. The car was located within a few minutes in Grandview Park where had left the roadway ad was stuck in the grass. The driver left the vehicle on foot, but was located at his residence and subsequently arrested. The accident is still under investigation.
Dreckman Honored With “Fire Fighter Of The Year”
(Le Mars) — This past Saturday, the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department awarded its “Fire Fighter of the Year” to Michael Dreckman. Dreckman had an interesting time, in 2014, with part of the time battling health issues. Dreckman began as a Le Mars fire fighter first as a reserve in 2008 upon his high school graduation. In 2010 is when he became a regular member of the fire and rescue department. His father Brett Dreckman is closing in on 30 years of serving on the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, and the younger Dreckman says he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and also be a fire fighter. He says it is difficult to explain his fascination.
Dreckman says with each call it becomes a special memory, but he says one of his most memorable fire calls was when a Victorian-style home converted to an apartment complex had caught on fire.
The 25 year old fire fighter says with that particular fire call, he had several responsibilities.
By nature, Dreckman’s personality is that of an easy-going character, but when a locked door, or another obstruction is needing to be moved out of the way to allow easier access for fire fighters, Dreckman has the reputation from his fellow colleagues, that he is the first person ready with the axe.
A year ago in October, Dreckman had a blood clot that had formed in his brain due to his spinal fluid that wouldn’t drain. The episode led to a stay in an Omaha hospital and it required some brain surgery. Dreckman details the scenario.
The young fire fighter explains the doctors and medical staff were quite concerned about his condition for a period of nearly two weeks.
Dreckman says it took three months before he was able to make a full recovery from the episode. Fortunately, he has not had any reoccurrence from the health scare, but to this day, doctors are not certain as to what may have caused the brain blood clot in the first place. Dreckman says during that time, everyday, he would worry about whether he would be able to return to the volunteer job that he loves so much.
Dreckman was able to make a full recovery from his brain surgery, and now again can be seen riding either in a red truck hauling dirt, sand, gravel or rock for his family business, or the red trucks of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department.
Sioux City Working On Viaduct To By-Pass Trains
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City officials say a proposed $20.7 million viaduct to prevent railroad delays in the Hoeven Valley will close at least one train crossing to through traffic.
City staff told the City Council on Monday that closing three streets to traffic at railroad crossings will force people to use the proposed viaduct. The city is seeking about $14.8 million from the U.S. Department Transportation for the project.
The Hoeven Valley often has heavy traffic as a result of long delays at railroad crossings. The industrial manufacturing and residential area is 5 miles long and 1 mile wide.
The city’s engineer, Glenn Ellis, says the city staff will hold a public meeting on the project the week of April 18.
Lawmakers Work On Water Quality Bill
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa House Republicans have proposed a plan to allocate almost a half-billion dollars in funding to projects to improve Iowa’s water quality.
The plan would give $464 million in funding over the next 13 years to water quality projects by using money from a state infrastructure fund and tax revenue from Iowa residents’ water bills.
Gov. Terry Branstad says he plans to back the proposal, which was unveiled at a meeting Monday.
Branstad started a conversation over water quality issues in the Legislature this year. The House Republican’s proposal was an effort to seek an alternative to his original proposal, which would’ve redirected funds away from schools.
Historical Museum Money For Infrastructure Went To Pay Wages
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Documents show the state agency that oversees Iowa’s flagship history museum used infrastructure money designated for building repairs and museum renovation planning to pay some department salaries.
Payroll documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs diverted more than $176,000 from a special infrastructure fund to pay a portion of Director Mary Cownie’s current salary and the salaries of two senior staff.
The agency insisted Tuesday that the move was legal, and it pointed to special appropriations language issued for some of the $3.65 million it received from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. DCA says it exempts normal rules.
A spokesman for the governor agreed with DCA’s interpretation of the law.
Some lawmakers say the exempted language isn’t clear and merits review. They also say the practice of using such money for department salaries is unusual.
The department has received $3.65 million in infrastructure money for repairs to the state historical museum and building renovation planning.
